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Restore the Right to Vote for Those Who Have Served Their Time

There is broad agreement that after someone has completed their sentence and been released to continue their lives, they should be allowed to vote. (In Florida, for example, more people voted to restore this right than voted for any political candidate in the state in 2018). But five million Americans are denied their right to participate in the democratic process despite having served their time. The Restore the Right to Vote Act protects this basic right and creates a stronger democracy for all Americans.

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Introduced In
Arizona Louisiana Minnesota Missouri Nebraska Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this help?
In addition to restoring a core constitutional right to millions of Americans, this bill can reduce the bureaucratic burden faced by would-be voters and elections boards. This bill ensures that people who have served their prison sentences are able to vote like all other eligible citizens in the state without costly administrative requirements.
How does this help reduce crime and mass incarceration?
Ensuring the right to vote for those who have served their time connects citizens to their communities and government and studies have found that when formerly incarcerated individuals feel invested in and connected to their communities, they are less likely to commit crimes.
Partners
  • Voting rights advocates
  • Community reintegration groups
  • Criminal justice reform advocates
Opposition
  • Special interests who benefit from diminished voter participation
In The News
The New York Times
Why So Many Kentuckians Are Barred From Voting on Tuesday, and for Life
'It’s devastating,' he said. His felony record follows him everywhere. His loss of political right...
Read The Article
Colorado Independent
As of today, 11,467 Colorado parolees can register to vote. Will they?
'It’s incredibly important to me. This is the only voice you got. This is the power you got, at th...
Read The Article
Model Policy
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SECTION 1 (TITLE):
This act shall be known as the Restore the Right to Vote Act
SECTION 2 (PURPOSE):
To restore the right to vote upon completion of any prison time sentenced for a felony conviction.
SECTION 3 (PROVISIONS):

(a) Any disqualification from voting arising from a felony conviction shall terminate and voting rights shall be restored upon completion of time sentenced in prison. No disqualification from voting shall be imposed as a condition of parole, probation, or any outstanding fines or fees.

(b) Upon his or her release from prison, a person so released must be given an official document which provides:
-(i) That the person has been released from prison;
-(ii) That the person is restored to his or her civil right to vote; and
-(iii) Description of how to register to vote.

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